LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser (40580) Marks the Return of One of LEGO’s Popular Sets

Earlier today, LEGO.com listed another gift-with-purchase set that will certainly pull at all the nostalgic heartstrings of LEGO Space fans. In what seems to be a move to further appeal to the LEGO for Adults market, the LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser (40580) has been announced as an upcoming promotional set that will certainly be on the must-have list of older LEGO fans.

LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser

As pointed out by Huw from Brickset, the 356-piece set is an improved version of the previous LEGO Blacktron Invader (6894) released in 1987. And like its larger cousin in the form of the LEGO Icons Galaxy Explorer (10497) which was released back in August, the Blacktron Cruiser (40580) serves as a nod to the highly popular Space subtheme back in the day. It also comes with a much-desired Blacktron Rogue minifigure, some parts with stickers (yeah, I wish LEGO offered this as printed instead), and several redesigned portions. It also retains its modular build where the ship itself can be divided into three distinct sections.

It is clear by now that LEGO is putting much effort into re-launching or perhaps rebranding its classic sets to appeal to a larger, AFOL market. The strategy seems to integrate these “classic” themes across its various themes, and most prominent of these are ones coming from the LEGO Ideas and LEGO Icons themes such as the Pirates of the Barracuda Bay (21322) and Lion Knights’ Castle (10305) respectively.

It’s unclear if LEGO will have a relaunch of the entire Space or Blacktron theme as we know them in the past, but the strategy of re-releasing some of the most popular sets from this theme and those that we sorely miss seems to be working.

For now, here’s what LEGO has to say about the LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser (40580), together with some official images. Bookmark our blog site and sign up for notifications so we can keep you posted when this set is available.

LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser (40580)

356 pieces | Includes a Blacktron Rogue minifigure | Gift-With-Purchase set

Rediscover a classic LEGO® set from the 1980s with the LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser (40580). A highly-detailed redesign of the classic 6894 set, it’s guaranteed to provide hours of enjoyment and nostalgia for LEGO fans. With all the functionality of the original model, the Blacktron Cruiser is still one of the most dangerous spaceships in the LEGO universe. This updated set comes complete with its original baddies: the Blacktron rogue and his trusty robot sidekick.

  • Rebuild a favorite – A redesign of an iconic ’80s LEGO® set, this Blacktron Cruiser lets LEGO fans build a childhood favorite all over again
  • Rediscover the original bad guys – The set comes complete with a Blacktron rogue and a Blacktron robot, whose accessories include a metal detector and a hammer wrench
  • Dimensions – This product measures over 2 in. (5 cm) high, 11.5 in. (29 cm) long and 9 in. (23 cm) wide

The Fans Have Spoken: Here are the Top 15 Most Wanted LEGO Sets of H1 2023

We’re just counting the days before the first wave of LEGO 2023 sets is out. And in case you haven’t finalized your LEGO 2023 wishlist, then you may want to hear what the LEGO fan community has to say. Because thanks to Brickset’s one of many interesting features, you can somehow gauge the sentiment of other equally excited LEGO fan builders and get to see what are the most wanted LEGO sets of 2023 according to Brickset members.

If you wish to know what sets to prioritize this January, then read on and take a look at the top 15 most wanted LEGO sets for 2023. Bear in mind that this is the most accurate data as of this posting, and there will be slight changes as we wrap up this year. However, I believe that these changes may not be that significant to change the ranking of these sets.

Check out these most popular LEGO 2023 sets starting at 1st place and in descending order of likes or being the most wanted.

LEGO Icons Jazz Club (10312)

Most Wanted LEGO Sets

LEGO Star Wars TIE Bomber (75347)

LEGO Speed Champions 2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) (76917)

Most Wanted LEGO Sets

LEGO Star Wars 501st Clone Troopers Battle Pack (75345)

LEGO City ATV and Otter Habitat (60394)

Most Wanted LEGO Sets

LEGO Seasonal Lunar New Year Parade (80111)

LEGO Lunar New Year 2023

LEGO Marvel Superheroes The Avengers Quinjet (76248)
LEGO Marvel 2023
LEGO City Penguin Slushy Van (60384)

LEGO City Recycling Truck (60386)

Most Wanted LEGO Sets

LEGO Marvel Superheroes The Hulkbuster: The Battle of Wakanda (76247)

LEGO Star Wars Boba Fett’s Starship Microfighter (75344)

Most Wanted LEGO Sets

LEGO Harry Potter Triwizard Tournament: The Black Lake (76420)

LEGO Seasonal Money Tree (40648)

LEGO Creator Birdhouse (31143)

LEGO Marvel Superheroes Miles Morales vs. Morbius (76244)

Frankly speaking, this is a cool mix of sets that shows how diverse the interests of our LEGO fan community are. Love them or hate them (I know most of us find it difficult to appreciate that Morbius film, but hey, we still get to see our first minifigure of our vampire superhero probably because of that), these sets are quite attractive not just because of the themes that they represent but also the new parts and elements that they introduce. This is particularly true, especially in the case of LEGO City sets 60384 and 60394 where we get to see a new minifigure costume and otter element. Additionally, in the case of licensed LEGO themes such as Star Wars, LSW fans are certainly hyped for the much-awaited 501st Clone Trooper minifigures (75345) and a new and aptly sized TIE Bomber (75347).

And since a large chunk of LEGO’s market is geared towards the AFOL community, it is somewhat expected to see the first modular set of 2023 make it at the top of this list. The LEGO Icons  Jazz Club (10312) is the king of the hill for the majority of Brickset members even if it means shelling out $230 for this 2,800-piece set.

In the final analysis, consider this list as a guide to knowing what is hot and not for 2023 among LEGO fans. But in the end, you decide on which among these most wanted LEGO sets will it to your final “add-to-cart” list. So what do you think? Are there other LEGO 2023 sets that you want to see in this top 15 list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Look: First Images of the LEGO Botanical Collection 2023 Sets Surfaces Online

Fans of LEGO’s brick-built floral collection will be glad to know that there will be two gorgeous addition to this LEGO Icons subtheme. The LEGO Botanical Collection 2023 sets will feature two bold and colorful designs that LEGO fans will be proud to build and display.

After the official reveal of the LEGO Botanical Collection Daffodils (40646) set several days ago, new information about its contemporaries surfaced online courtesy of Promobricks. In fact, we can look forward to having a Wildflower Bouquet and an exquisitely looking Dried Flower Centerpiece, with both sets designed by LEGO master builder Chris McVeigh.

Though LEGO is still mum about these sets’ details, Promobricks provides more than enough info for us to appreciate the beauty of these lovely brick centerpieces. Check out these details below.

Wildflower Bouquet (10313)

939 pieces | 59.99 Euros | To be released on February 1, 2023

Image courtesy of Promobricks.

 

Dried Flower Centerpiece (10314)

812 pieces | 49.99 Euros | To be released on February 1, 2023

Image courtesy of Promobricks.
Image courtesy of Promobricks.

Both sets offer plenty of new and recolored pieces that will be pretty handy for MOCs and other modified creations. Though I am not a big fan of the theme, I have to say that these upcoming LEGO Botanical Collection 2023 sets are both stunning in their own rights. The Dried Flower Centerpiece is spot on, with the ingenious use of gears and textured elements to create that dried and dusty look. Additionally, you can connect 3 of these sets to create a larger, circular bouquet for a more magnificent design. Just don’t mistake it for a coffin spray and we’re all good.

I’ll update this post once LEGO.com has officially listed these beautiful creations online. Special thanks once more to Robert from Promobricks for sharing these images.

The LEGO Icons Jazz Club (10312) is Our First Modular Set for 2023

After its official press release, LEGO.com finally listed its first modular building set for 2023 – the LEGO Icons Jazz Club (10312). As part of its relatively new line of Icons sets appealing to LEGO adult fans, the LEGO Icons Jazz Club is the 3rd modular set under the rebranded theme since it began in 2021 (it was previously under the LEGO Creator Expert theme).

The Jazz Club 10312 comes in at 2,899 pieces with 8 new minifigures (Jazz Singer, Bassist, Drummer, Pizza Chef, Pizza Delivery Driver, Club Manager, Tailor, and a Magician) as it highlights for the very first time, a music theme for a modular set of this scale.

LEGO Icons Jazz Club

The LEGO Icons Jazz Club (10312) is scheduled to be released on January 4, 2023, and will retail for $229.99 at all LEGO brand stores and online. Take a look at its official images and product description below.

LEGO Icons Jazz Club (10312) 

2,899 pieces | Includes 8 minifigures | $229.99

Ready for a night of big band music, jazz dancing and pizza? The LEGO® Icons Jazz Club (10312) is your ticket to the best show in town. Fans of modular buildings and music lovers will adore constructing their own jazz venue with this building set for adults, which involves new building techniques such as a 45-degree doorway. Once the club is complete, you can spend hours marveling at its beautifully decorated interior, where you’ll discover a jazz stage, a pizzeria and the band’s dressing room.

Make new friends at the club
8 detailed minifigures, including a jazz singer, bassist and drummer, set the scene for a show that will have the audience on their feet all evening. Intricate details include a mini microphone, a mini saxophone and a mini LP record.

Set the stage for creativity
This set is part of a range of collectible building sets for adults who appreciate mindful projects and exceptional design.

LEGO Icons Jazz Club LEGO Icons Jazz Club

LEGO Icons Jazz Club

ICYMI: LEGO Eiffel Tower 10307 Is Now the Tallest LEGO Set Ever Made

Earlier this week, the LEGO Group unveiled its tallest build yet. In all of its breathtaking grandeur, the iconic Paris landmark can now be yours in gorgeous LEGO form with the arrival of the LEGO Icons Eiffel Tower (10307).

Rumors about this set started to circulate as early as September, and this time around, we get to see this latest LEGO offering up close. Touted to be the tallest and one of the largest LEGO sets ever made in terms of piece count, the LEGO Icons Eiffel Tower (10307) is the third of its kind following previous builds such as sets 10181 from 2007, and set 21019 from the Architecture theme released in 2014. Towering at an unbelievable height of 58.5 inches (almost 5 feet tall), its base measures 22.5 inches both in terms of width and length.

LEGO Eiffel Tower

The LEGO Icons Eiffel Tower (10307) is slated to be available on LEGO Stores and online beginning November 25, 2022. Read on for this mammoth set’s official product description below. And if you wish to add this to your collection, be ready with a hefty amount of cash to burn, and plenty of space in your LEGO display room.

LEGO Icons Eiffel Tower (10307)

10,001 pieces | $629.99 | Available starting November 25, 2022

LEGO Eiffel Tower

Ready for an awe-inspiring challenge? Standing at almost 5 feet tall, the LEGO® Eiffel Tower (10307) set for adults is the flagship model in the LEGO Travel & History series. And it’s not just one of the tallest LEGO sets ever, it’s got one of the largest piece counts too – with 10,001 pieces for an immersive experience from start to finish. It also makes a top gift idea for travel or history lovers.

A journey to the top
Just like the original construction, this collectible model is assembled in 4 sections. The process closely follows the way the real tower was built, giving you a unique insight into Gustave Eiffel’s engineering brilliance. Discover true-to-life details throughout, including landscaping, 3 observation platforms, elevators, and a broadcast tower, topped off with the French flag.

Where will you go today?
Travel somewhere new with LEGO sets for adults. Discover some of the world’s greatest landmarks with LEGO Travel & History sets, recreated in incredible detail.

  • A build like no other – Get ready to break records with this LEGO® Eiffel Tower model set for adults. Standing at almost 5 feet tall and with 10,001 pieces, it’s a collectible piece to cherish forever
  • Recreate history – You’ll assemble this Eiffel Tower (10307) model in 4 parts, reminiscent of the original monument’s construction, and learn novel building techniques to delight LEGO® fans
  • Faithful geometry – This 360° model closely follows the real Eiffel Tower’s decor with arches, supports, cross bracing, railings, and even a faithful view when looking up from beneath
  • Set the scene – Take your time crafting the Esplanade, where ground-level details include Parisian lampposts, benches, trees, and shrubs 
  • Ascend the tower – Head skyward as you assemble the 4 plinths, 3 observation platforms, elevators with cabling, Gustave Eiffel’s private office at the top, and broadcast tower
  • Separates for transportation – This LEGO® Eiffel Tower model separates into 4 parts and features carry handles so you can move and display your build
  • Dimensions – The model measures over 58.5 in. (149 cm) high, 22.5 in. (57 cm) wide, and 22.5 in. (57 cm) deep, making it one of the largest ever LEGO® model sets

LEGO Eiffel Tower LEGO Eiffel Tower

LEGO Amazon Deals To Catch This Week – As Much as 25% Off!

It’s more than a year since LEGO launched its LEGO Adults Welcome Section over at LEGO.com and since then, the LEGO Group has diversified its offerings to target the deeper pockets of adult LEGO fans. However, there seems to be a growing trend that LEGO sets for adults are now becoming increasingly expensive, particularly in the case of licensed themes. And if you’re a LEGO faithful that wants to keep up with the hobby and not want to overspend, then you may want to check out this week’s 18+ LEGO Amazon deals.

From LEGO homegrown themes such as LEGO Icons, Ideas, Technic, and more these discounted sets are great for hours of relaxing building and Instagramable displays.

Check out these Amazon deals that you can get right now. By clicking and purchasing through these affiliate links, we get a small commission that helps in running our site.

LEGO Icons Botanical Collection Flower Bouquet (10280)

756 pieces | LEGO.com: $59.99 | Amazon: $49.76

LEGO Amazon Deals

 

LEGO Ideas Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone (21331)

1,125 pieces | LEGO.com: $79.99 | Amazon: $69.89

LEGO Amazon Deals

 

LEGO Ideas Fender Stratocaster (21329)

1,074 pieces | LEGO.com: $119.99 | Amazon: $99.90

 

LEGO Ideas Medieval Blacksmith (21325)

2,164 pieces | LEGO.com: $179.99 | Amazon: $149.89

 

LEGO Architecture Statue of Liberty (21042)

1,685 pieces | LEGO.com: $119.99 | Amazon: $101.98

 

LEGO Architecture Taj Mahal (21056)

2,022 pieces | LEGO.com: $119.99 | Amazon: $107.99

 

LEGO Technic Dom’s Dodge Charger (42111)

1,077 pieces | LEGO.com: $119.99 | Amazon: $95.98

 

LEGO Art Disney’s Mickey Mouse (31202)

2,658 pieces | LEGO.com: $119.99 | Amazon: $89.99

 

You may also want to keep tabs on our blog site for other great LEGO Amazon deals. And now that we’re just counting the weeks before the annual Black Friday deals, we’re pretty sure that other hard-to-find or retiring LEGO sets will be on sale very soon.

15 LEGO Halloween Sets To Build The Night Away

It’s nice that LEGO seasonal sets have always been around to jumpstart the season and get into that brick-building vibe. And with the release of the LEGO Halloween Cat and Mouse (40570) set a couple of months ago, it’s time to look back at some of the spooky-fun LEGO sets that we had over the years. From classic favorites, vignette-inspired builds, and large collectible themes and sets, these must-have LEGO sets are all head-turners in themselves.

In case you missed them, I’ve included Amazon affiliate links for these sets if you wish to add them to your collection. Any purchases made via these links will surely help to keep our site up and running.

With that out of the way, let’s jump right in and take a look.

Halloween Cat and Mouse (40570)

328 pieces | released August 2022

 

Halloween Owl (40497)

228 pieces | released August 2021

 

Mini Disney The Haunted Mansion (40521)

680 pieces; includes 1 minifigure | released August 2022

 

Trick or Treat Halloween Set (40122)

133 pieces; includes 2 minifigures | released September 2015

 

Halloween Haunt (40260)

145 pieces; includes 2 minifigures | released September 2017

 

Halloween Hayride (40423)

148 pieces; includes 3 minifigures | released August 2020

 

Vampire and Bat (40203)

150 pieces | released September 2016

 

Spider & Haunted House Pack (40493)

132 pieces | released August 2021

 

Halloween Bat (40090)

156 pieces | released September 2014

 

LEGO BrickHeadz Frankenstein (40422)

108 pieces | released September 2020 

 

LEGO BrickHeadz Halloween Ghost (40351)

136 pieces | released September 2019

 

LEGO Hidden Side Graveyard Mystery (70420)

335 pieces; includes 4 minifigures | released August 2019

 

LEGO Icons Haunted House (10273)

3231 pieces; includes 10 minifigures | released June 2020

 

LEGO Monster Fighters Haunted House (10228)

2,064 pieces; includes 6 minifigures | released September 2012 

 

LEGO Spooky VIP Add-On Pack (40513)

119 pieces; includes 6 minifigures | released September 2021

 

 

 

Two New LEGO Botanical Collection Sets Coming February Next Year

Plenty of praise must go to LEGO for trying to appeal to as many hobby niches as possible. Tie-in sets of major licensed IPs are simple enough in attracting fans of said big-name franchises. But LEGO has also delved into themes and subjects you usually don’t expect to see plastic building bricks involved. Model trains? Check. Pop artworks? Check too. How about botany or floral design, which normally involves plants? Check three. LEGO Botanical Collection covers this particular topic well with some impressive sets released over the years. And we can rest assured there will be more coming next year.

German LEGO news source Promobricks gives us word of at least two new LEGO Botanical Collection sets in 2023. One looks to be a new take on a previously-released item. The other is a nice change from the free-standing plant displays we’ve gotten from this theme line. By February next year we can expect a new Wild Flower Bouquet (10313) contrasting 2021’s (conventional) Flower Bouquet (10280). The second release that month will be the Dried Flower Decoration (10314). As the name implies, this set could depict pressed blooms in a flat display. It’s reminiscent of many sets from LEGO Art.

LEGO’s Botanical Collection currently falls under the wider LEGO Icons umbrella, and as expected they’re mostly rated Age 18+. Wild Flower Bouquet (10313) could have 939 pieces for the price of €59.99. Dried Flower Decoration (10314) meanwhile could be priced at €49.99 for 812 pieces. In possible US$ conversion the possible prices might be roughly the same. Then again, these LEGO Botanical sets are still far off from launch, so we’ll be waiting for details.

LEGO Rumor: Eiffel Tower Getting Icons Set (10307) for Black Friday 2022

Leave it to LEGO to realize one’s monumental building ideas, Builders can create towering edifices of their own design with what LEGO bricks and pieces they have. Or they can buy a LEGO set depicting a wide variety of complete structures both original and IRL. Plenty of famous buildings around the world have already been graced with LEGO-set depictions across the brand’s numerous theme lines. Take for instance one of the iconic symbols of Paris, France: the Eiffel Tower. It already came out as a 1:300 scale set (number 10181) and as a LEGO Architecture entry (21019). And rumors of a new rendition have been around since this past February.

As Brick Fanatics tells us, there’s some new updates on the rumors of a new LEGO take for the Eiffel Tower. The word from earlier this year alleges it was for the LEGO Creator Expert line, numbered 10307 and coming sometime in November. A recent Instagram Stories entry from LEGO news source brick_clicker states new info. Eiffel Tower (10307), now for LEGO Icons, will release this coming Black Friday. Furthermore, the possible set price has jumped from $629.99 to $679.99; given recent across-the-board LEGO price increases, this was a given.

Some LEGO records stand ready to be broken by the rumored Icons Eiffel Tower set. With 10,001 reported pieces, we’re looking at a possible 150-cm tall build. We’re talking new “tallest LEGO set yet”. Further rumors state that some pieces will be of a Technic nature, the better to hold the structure together. Black Friday 2022 is November 25, so we have just around two months to determine if this rumor pans out. We might not need salt for this rumor; but better safe, etc.

2022 LEGO Winter Village – Icons Holiday Main Street (10308) Now Listed

Thanks to its core concept of building and assembling, LEGO has long been crossing into numerous and different niche hobbies. Model railroads? LEGO’s got many sets for that over the years. Their vehicle lines, particularly Technic, could go toe-to-toe with conventional plastic model kits. Even LEGO Botanical with its brick-built blossoms more than hold their own aesthetics-wise against artificial flowers. But the best work LEGO does is undoubtedly with model buildings, obviously. And with the approach of the 2022 Holiday season, their latest addition to the Winter Village set line is ready. In fact, LEGO Shop online has listed it.

Brickset tells us that the 2022 LEGO Icons (formerly Creator Expert) Winter Village set has finally been revealed. If you feel the previous Winter Village sets have been leaning too “residential” then take heart. The Icons Holiday Main Street (10308) is anything but. Build a busy commercial hub for your LEGO Winter Village with two storefronts and some public transportation. Nothing says “traditional” Christmas shopping like a trip to the toy store or music shop. Shoppers with grocery bags can then wait for the Main Street cable car on a roadside stop. And their wait won’t be boring with nearby mailbox, clock post and Christmas tree to liven things up.

Expect the Icons Winter Village Holiday Main Street (10308) to launch next month, October 7. Further product details down below:

Holiday Main Street (10308)

Age 18+ | 1,514 pieces | 6 minifigures | $99.99 | Coming October 7

Packed with yuletide cheer, the LEGO® Holiday Main Street (10308) set is the latest addition to the popular LEGO Winter Village Collection. Build a sweet Christmas village display complete with a toy store, music store and shoppers, plus the store owners and their cozy apartments. Then build the streetcar, ready to take the shoppers home after a fun outing.

  • A festive tradition – Enjoy quality time crafting all the details of this Holiday Main Street (10308) buildable model with a toy store, music store, shoppers, store owners and their cozy apartments
  • Hop on the streetcar – Assemble all the details of the streetcar, ready to transport the minifigures. It’s decorated for Christmas and includes 4 seats for passengers
  • Let’s go shopping – Head to the Santa’s Toys and Games toy store and H. Jollie’s music store to find toys and musical instruments, all waiting to make someone’s Christmas dreams come true
  • Time to relax – When the working day is over, the store owners can relax in their apartments. Discover cozy details with a tree, presents and bed in the toy store, and a dining area in the music store
  • 6 minifigures – Bring the LEGO® Christmas village display to life with the set’s ensemble of minifigures. There are 2 shoppers, a child mailing a letter to Santa, 2 store owners and a streetcar driver
  • Powered Up compatible – Motorize the model by adding LEGO® Powered Up and the option to add your own track and lights (all sold separately)